Looking for a change in running scenery this fall? Want to learn how to stage race from the world’s best? If you answered yes to either question, get yourself to the Dreamchaser’sStage Racing Camp to be held from October 6 to 11 on the western slopes of the Teton Mountains. During your six days in Idaho you’ll get a chance to run with and learn from Mohamad Ahansal, a three-time champion of the Marathon des Sables. Of course, you’ll also get to learn from Lisa Smith-Batchen, who is only American woman ever to win the race (1999), and Jay Batchen, who knows stage racing gear as well as anyone out there. While you’re there, you’ll get a chance to work on your desert running skills in the St. Anthony sand dunes.

Why am I telling you about this camp? First, it’s a rare opportunity to work with the two time defending champ of MdS. Second, I attended part of a Dreamchasers camp in August and was really impressed!

I more or less crashed the Dreamchaser’s trail running camp help at the Grand Targhee Resort in eastern Idaho in early August. I had an invite from Jay to swing by for a day and AJW, who was coaching at the camp, kindly offered to let me (aka, Uncle Junglegym) crash on his floor and hang with his boys. I had such a good time that I stayed for a couple days. (Hopefully, I didn’t overstay my welcome with anyone!)

AJW tire pulling at a Dreamchaser’s camp

Anyway, my training usually consists of one thing – running. At the camp, I got to pull a tire, learn various running drills, and do a core workout. I loved all of it. Lisa is a great teacher, who knows how to share her vast stores of knowledge and how to motivate the skeptical (i.e., AJW and me during core work :-) ). Not only were Jay and Lisa great hosts and teachers, but their guest coaches (AJW, Dr. Lisa Bliss, Ray Zahab, Barb Linquist) added at ton to the camp. I can only imagine that Mohamad will do the same!